GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER IS SIGNING A NEW LAW THAT KEEPS POLICE AND THEIR K-9 PARTNERS TOGETHER.

SENATOR TOM CULLERTON OF VILLA PARK SPONSORED THE BILL. IT GIVES COPS GET FIRST DIBS ON ADOPTING THEIR FURRY PARTNERS WHEN THE DOG IS RETIRED FROM POLICE SERVICE.

PREVIOUSLY, K-9 COPS WERE CATEGORIZED AS EQUIPMENT UNDER STATE STATUE. THIS NEW LAW WILL ENSURE POLICE OFFICERS CAN ADOPT THEIR FURRY PARTNERS WHEN THE DOG IS RETIRED FROM SERVICE SAYS ILLINOIS STATE POLICE DIRECTOR LEO SCHMITZ.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO SIGNED BILLS DESIGNATING THE SECOND WEEK OF APRIL AS NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS’ WEEK AND FURTHER PROTECTING E-M-T’S AND AMBULANCE DRIVERS.